We are sorry to announce that due to ongoing health concerns with the Coronavirus COVID-19, we are cancelling Gaylord Half Marathon events for 2020.
After careful consideration of options for this year’s race, it was determined that the virus threat would still exist in early May and the fall race calendar has become too crowded with other large events being moved to later in the year (with no knowledge of whether the virus threat will have passed). With sad hearts, Guardian Gals has decided to focus on the Gaylord community during this difficult time and will put aside the Gaylord Half Marathon until 2021.
Thank you for your understanding and stay safe. We look forward to making the Gaylord Half Marathon the outstanding event Guardian Gals has dreamed of in 2021 and hope to see you there.
May 9
Gaylord, MI
10th Annual Gaylord Half Marathon - A Guardian Gals INC. Making Change Event 2020 Overview
How far will you GO? How much will you GROW?
TriToFinish is back for another go-round with the Guardian Gals of Gaylord for their 2020 Gaylord Half Marathon! Runners of all ages & abilities are encouraged to save-the-date for the greatly anticipated reopening of a most desirable course here in northern Michigan. This race boasts a beautiful half marathon course consisting of both paved & hard packed peat gravel offering runners inspired scenery as they circle Otsego Lake on the newly renovated Iron Belle Trail Extension of North Central Trail. 10k & 5k courses are along country roads at the onset of seasonal reawakening. If you’re looking for a quick jaunt or have young ones in need of a challenge, come out & do the 1 mile fun run!
Date: May 9, 2020
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Ostego Lake County Park
Address: 1657 County Park Road, Gaylord, MI 49735
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:
1 MILE COURSE: Watch on Youtube
Scenic Loop Beginning & Ending @ County Park, Residential Neighborhoods, Quiet Back Roads Of Rural Northern Michigan Through Time of Seasonal Reawakening
5K COURSE: Watch on Youtube
Scenic Loop Beginning & Ending @ County Park, Residential Neighborhoods, Quiet Back Roads of Rural Northern Michigan Through Time of Seasonal Reawakening, Return to homebase via "Hereafter Lane" Seasonal Road
10K COURSE:
This point-to-point event is sure to become the region’s most popular 10k adventure! New this year, racers will be trolleyed out to the start at northeast edge of Otsego Lake State Park campground. Once runners exit State Park, course shall merge with fully paved stretch of Half Marathon route on small residential roads running parallel to South Old 27 (south), then Mancelona Road (west), & West Otsego Lake Drive (north) back to finish line. Runners can expect a fast and scenic race with hill climb of Gaylord’s breathtaking “heartbreak hill” at Mile 4, then enjoy gentle decline in terrain to finish line & should plan accordingly for trolley transport to starting line. 10k participation may become limited, should trolley transport become overcrowded, but at this time, space is available!
NOTE: 10k race start will be in northeast corner of Otsego Lake STATE PARK with Northern Michigan Trolley shuttling runners at 8:10am, 8:25am, 8:40am from Otsego Lake COUNTY PARK to starting line at Otsego Lake STATE PARK. 10k runners will share 2nd half of half marathon route with half marathon runners, offering invigorating competitive insurgence of energy for half marathoners finishing their race!
1/2 MARATHON COURSE: Watch on Youtube
Incorporating Paven & Leveled Earthen North Central Pathway, One Lap - Just ONE Lap - Around Otsego Lake, Scenic Loop of Seasonal Color Brilliance Beginning & Ending @ County Park, Begin of Run through Residential Neighborhoods Running Clockwise Around Otsego Lake, Running Newly Renovated Peat Stone North Central Trail/Iron Belle Shared Use Pathway (Formerly Earthen Railroad Grade) Entire East Side of Otsego Lake , Elevation Challenges @ Mile 10, providing us our very own "Heartbreak Hills,” like Boston Marathon
RACE EVE PACKET PICKUP/ LATE REGISTRATION/ FOOD TRUCK RALLY
Friday, May 8th 2020 at Ellison Place Event, 150 Dale Drive, Gaylord, MI 49735
Packet Pick-Up/Late Registration 6-8pm
Food Truck Rally 3-9pm
An exciting series of Food Truck Fridays! kicks-off Friday, May 8th in coordination with Gaylord Half Marathon packet pick-up at Ellison Place. Food Truck Fridays! is a collaborative benefit for Guardian Gals, Inc. & various other charities voted upon by attendees. Learn more…
RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP, LATE REGISTRATION
Saturday, May 9th @ Otsego Lake County Park, 1657 County Park Road Gaylord, MI 49735 (Look for the blue TriToFinish Spider Tent)
Packet Pick-Up/ Late Registration 7-9am
Online Registration closes at Midnight on Thursday, May 7th, 2020, after which, all subsequent registrations will be completed on-site at packet pickup/late registration at an increased rate.
NOTE: Active.com charges a nominal fee to participants when registering. We just don’t want you to be surprised when you go to register online!
RACE START TIMES/LOCATIONS
Half Marathon 8:00AM/ Otsego Lake County Park
10k Run/Walk 9:00AM/ Otsego Lake State Park
5K Run/Walk 9:45AM/ Otsego Lake County Park
1 Mile Run/Walk 10:00AM/ Otsego Lake County Park
10K DEPARTURE TIMES TO STATE PARK START LINE
Northern Michigan Trolley 1 8:25 AM
Northern Michigan Trolley 2 8:30 AM
Northern Michigan Trolley 1 8:35 AM
Northern Michigan Trolley 2 8:40 AM
Northern Michigan Trolley 1 8:45 AM
Northern Michigan Trolley 2 8:50 AM
T-SHIRTS/HATS
Gaylord Half Marathon shirts guaranteed for race day ONLY to those who register online BEFORE midnight Sunday, April 12th! Those registering AFTER midnight Sunday, April 12th will be mailed race shirts.
View white, “Attain Wicking Long-Sleeved Shirt” Styles at www.augustasportswear.com .
Participants will receive the size & type shirts ordered. Exchanges will NOT be available.
Adult S-3XL & Youth S-L SIZES Available
AWARDS
Gaylord Half Marathon is known for its wide array of prizes gifted to those who run in support of its mission for inspiring positive personal growth & connection:
EACH & EVERY PARTICIPANT receives special high quality finisher medal, reflective of Gaylord’s Alpine Village & access to photographs captured by Sports In Motion Magazine on course & at the finish line.
FASTEST OVERALL male & female finisher of ½ Marathon are awarded custom earbuds from Advantage Audiology & Hearing Center.
FASTEST MASTER’S DIVISION OVERALL male & female finisher of ½ Marathon are awarded custom ear buds from Advantage Audiology & Hearing Center.
FASTEST OVERALL male & female finishers in each event will receive inspiring wall art from Old Spud Warehouse of Gaylord & finisher’s Prize Purse in following amounts mailed after the results are finalized:
1st Overall Male & Female Half Marathon- $250 Each+ Free Entry to 2021 Event
1st Overall Masters (40 & Up) Male & Female- $250 Each + Free Entry to 2021 Event
1st Overall Male & Female 10k- $125 Each
1st Overall Male & Female 5k- $75 Each
1st Overall Male & Female 1 Mile- $25 Each
TOP 3 OVERALL Male & Female Winners of Half Marathon, 10k, & 5k events will receive high quality custom plaques.
AGE GROUP AWARDS 3 DEEP will be mailed out to all age group winners (continental U.S. only) within 4-6 weeks after the race
KINDNESS COUNTS PRIZES/RAFFLE
The prizes most coveted by Gaylord Half Marathon event finishers are the thoughtful “Kindness Counts” (dynamic prizes that encourage positive personal or societal change in unique ways) available for every 1mile, 5k, 10k, & Half Marathon runner who participates by walking or running the race, with extra Kindness Counts raffle tickets distributed to those who contribute additional donations to advance the mission of Guardian Gals, Inc.
TIMING & AGE GROUP DIVISIONS
The 5K, 10K and Half Marathon Run events will be timed and results posted in accordance with USATF sanctioning requirements. Prizes awarded based on gun start/chip finish times.
5K, 10K and Half Marathon Age Groups/Divisions:
0-4 (not pushed in stroller)
5-7
8-9
10-14
15-19
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
75-79
80 & Over
POST-RACE FOOD & BEVERAGE, PRIZES, AWARDS, LOCAL HOSPITALITY
RACE DAY- SATURDAY, MAY 9TH
PRE-RACE:
COMPLIMENTARY STARBUCKS COFFEE & LIGHT BREAKFAST ITEMS OFFERED
FOOD TRUCKS ON-SITE
POST-RACE:
COMPLIMENTARY $10 FOOD TRUCK VOUCHERS FOR RACERS AT FOOD TRUCK RALLY
11:00 AM KINDNESS COUNTS PRIZE WINNERS DRAWN
11:15 AM RACE AWARDS ANNOUNCED
ALL RACE DAY, DOWNTOWN GAYLORD:
“SHOW YOUR MEDAL” FOR HOSPITALITY INCENTIVES
MOTHER’S DAY- SUNDAY, MAY 10th
COMPLIMENTARY MORNING COFFEE AT STARBUCKS 7-9am
1060 West Main Street Location
YOGA-45 REBOOT-RECOVERY YOGA CLASS 9-10am
MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH OPTIONS
Treetops Resort- www.treetops.com
Call 989.732.6711 for reservations.
Otsego Club- www.otsegoclub.com
Call 989.732.5181 for reservations.
PARKING INFORMATION
Participants & attendees will be directed to alternate Otsego Lake County Park BOAT LAUNCH PARKING entrance immediately south of Otsego Lake County Park front entrance. Guardian Gals, Inc. will pay park admittance fee, if there should be one at entrance.
ACCOMODATIONS
Runners are encouraged to stay at Gaylord Half Marathon preferred hotels, with guest reserved discounted room blocks. Preferred lodging options will be updated here by January 1, 2020, ensuring optimal Alpine Village hospitality!
Athletes are encouraged to camp at Otsego Lake County Park site of Gaylord Half Marathon.
Additional lodging details can be found at Gaylord Tourism Bureau <www.gaylordmichiganAdditional lodging details can be found at Gaylord's Tourism Bureau
VOLUNTEERS
Those interested in VOLUNTEERING, please contact Abby Hamilton @ 989.390.5749 or AbbyHamilton@GuardianGalsInc.org
Distances:
1/2 Marathon Run
10K Run/Walk
5K Run/Walk
1 Mile Run/Walk
Note: There will be no competitive walk category. Participants are free to run or walk as they'd like.
Prices:
Non Tax-Deductible REGISTRATION Fees Paid Online:
Online Registrations *Before Sunday, April 12 at Midnight with guaranteed on-site receipt of event shirt
1/2M - $54
10k - $44
5k - $34
1Mile - $24
Online Registrations *Before Thursday, May 7th at Midnight with event shirt mailed post-race
1/2M - $59
10k - $49
5k - $39
1Mile - $29
Late Registrations Paid on-site at Check-In Registration with event shirt mailed post-race
1/2M - $69
10k - $59
5k - $49
1Mile - $29
Tax-Deductible Pledges Paid To Guardian Gals, Inc:
This year, instead of a mandatory pledge requirement, we are offering “Kindness Counts” ticket incentive for financial gifts pledged at Making Change Event. Learn more under the Awards section of this page.
COOL STUFF
Extensive course improvements have been created via $2,938,000 eleven mile North Central Trail extension project, positively enhancing Gaylord Half Marathon’s naturally beautiful & scenic eastern run corridor with professionally leveled 10 foot wide crushed limestone pathway!!!
More info on Iron Belle Trail extension of North Central Trail HERE
Scenic & hospitable spaces to host starting & finishing areas with gracious welcome of Otsego Lake County Park & Otsego Lake State Park!!!!
More info on Otsego Lake County Park HERE
More info on Otsego Lake State Park HERE
GAYLORD HALF MARATHON, 10k, 5k, & 1 Mile Fun Run
- A GUARDIAN GALS MAKING CHANGE EVENT-
Founded in 2010 with purpose of imprinting lofty mindset upon hearts of its participants, Guardian Gals, Inc. organizers boldly ask, “How much will you grow? How much change will you make?” Gaylord Half Marathon promises good vibes for all & is quickly becoming a “must run” bucket list item & memorable destination race for runners throughout the Midwest & beyond, with past runners traveling from as far as Brazil, South America! Gaylord Half Marathon challenges participants to make taking one lap- JUST ONE LAP- around Gaylord’s Otsego Lake a thought in this new year ahead!
Runners who have experienced this professionally run Making Change Event, hosted by Guardian Gals, Inc. of Gaylord, return year after year to enjoy the KINDNESS COUNTS vibe & breathtaking scenic courses which overlook the shores of beautiful Otsego Lake. Gaylord Half Marathon events feature 1 Mile Fun Run, 5k, 10K, & half marathon routes, with a special 10k course improvement this year to feature Northern Michigan Trolley transport for 10k runners, 6.2 miles back from half marathon route shared finish line. Gaylord Half Marathon races, previously offered in time of peak color change in October, will now be held as a late spring Mother’s Day weekend race tradition, with Saturday, May 11th date now announced for 2019!
Recognized fondly for decades as a recreation seekers paradise, Gaylord, Michigan, literally offers something for everyone. With growing trend of destination marathons & half marathons in our nation- our seasoned Gaylord Half Marathon, located in the exact center of Northern Michigan on the 45th parallel, seconds from I-75, is sure to see impressive growth in upcoming years. Weekend Title Sponsor, Gaylord Tourism Bureau welcomes participants of all ages & abilities to explore all that is outdoors, here in Gaylord. Partnering business sponsors in the Gaylord area extend open arms, high-fives & exciting messages of welcome to the mothers, daughters, sisters… fathers, sons, brothers… heck, the entire neighborhoods who contribute their SPARK of energy to this exciting weekend of fitness & racing in Otsego County! All are welcome to GET OUTDOORS here in the fresh northern Michigan air the second weekend in May, making Gaylord, Michigan a Mother’s Day weekend tradition for years to come!
The vision of host organization, Guardian Gals, Inc., is for members to mutually empower & inspire one another to initiate positive personal, philanthropic, & civic stewardship. Throughout the organization, members mutually empower & inspire one another to initiate personal, philanthropic, & civic action for the common good. The Guardian Gals, Inc. mission is carried out in community service projects, philanthropy, self care lessons & mentoring by area leaders.
The Gaylord Half Marathon Making Change Event is a way for Guardian Gals, Inc. to offer a healthy, fun means of raising funds to support their efforts to bring positive change to the Gaylord region. Due to past generous support from participants & their sponsors & internal structural changes within organization, Guardian Gals, Inc. is no longer requiring mandatory charitable pledge fee, but will of course continue to recognize/reward the efforts of those who go above & beyond & collect financial pledges via notorious “Kindness Counts” prize raffle tickets. Guardian Gals, Inc. is excited to have matured financially into the position of continuing to offer industry competitively priced Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, & 1 Mile Run/Walk event for 2019!
The Gaylord Half Marathon is a Guardian Gals Making Change Event!
This event benefits Guardian Gals, Inc. Learn More.
WORDS OF INTENT/FINISHING FACTS
TriToFinish will be challenging racers to devise their very own specialized WORD OF INTENT, which will be used as individualized, unique, & inspiring FINISHING FACTS for each racer as they cross the finish line. Here are five things to consider before deciding one’s WORD OF INTENT:
1. Take moment to reflect & be self-aware.
For many, each year represents a clean slate to accomplish a new set of goals. As we enter this new year, ask yourself these 20 questionswhich can set you up mentally to achieve your goals in this new year ahead. This exercise also can help you identify patterns that can lead to your word. Want to make more money in the new year? Want to introduce a new product? If most of your answers point in a certain direction, then choose a word to remind you of what's most important in the new year and stick with it.
2. Visualize your word.
Some individuals create Vision Boards. Armed with dozens of magazines & ephemera, they gather images, phrases, & words that they want to channel more of in the new year. Similar to the reflection exercise, more often than not a pattern emerges & a WORD OF INTENT, your word of the year becomes more obvious.
3. Brainstorm.
Sometimes our word is harder to come by or isn't as obvious. In this case, brainstorm words that mean something to you or help get you to a place where your mind is less cluttered. Whenever we need to clear our head or need inspiration, we do things like take the dog for a walk or find some green space or return to our yoga mat. We might jot down greenery, dog, walk, air, breathe, yoga, connection, peace, calm… you get the picture. It's a bit of a mind mapping process & thinking through times & places that matter to you can help you discover your word of the year.
4. Narrow your options.
Once you've come up with a few words you really love & feel like they can carry you through the year, narrow them down to just five or three words & let them sit with you for a day or week. Usually when we come up with our word, we just know it's our word. Still, we stay with it for a few days to make sure it reflects what we truly want to happen in the new year. Sometimes the word we think would be the oneturns into a different, albeit similar, one. You should be in no hurry to come up with your word but it's important to be mindful of the process because the word is meant to help you.
5. Tell others & test your word.
For some, simply announcing the word to others helps them own it themselves. Similar to how people share their goals with others to help them stay accountable, sharing your WORD OF INTENT with friends & family lets them know what matters most to you in the new year & they might even help you achieve it.
REFUND AND TRANSFER POLICY
We completely understand that plans change and athletes will sometimes be unable to compete in an event they've signed up for. Unfortunately, refunds will not be provided for any event unless the event is cancelled for reasons within our control. Dangerous weather, natural disasters, and local emergencies are examples of reasons an event may be cancelled that are NOT within our control.
Should an athlete have an injury or other medical issue keeping them from competing in an event they've registered for, we would be happy to transfer their registration to a similar TriToFinish-owned event up to and including the same event the following season. A doctor's slip may be required as proof of injury or ailment. Failure to provide proof if requested will result in non-transfer of the event.
Transferring registrations to other athletes is NOT allowed.